Multi-function weight training apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/278,559 filed Mar. 23, 2001.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a weight training apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multi-function weight training apparatus that is adapted for use with a variety of weight training exercises.

[0003] The general concept of using an apparatus to facilitate weight training such as disclosed in Mazman, U.S. Pat. No. 3,905,599, and Yatso, U.S. Pat. No. 3,912,263, has been known for a significant amount of time. These types of devices enhance the ability to perform the weight training exercises but also increase the safety of performing the weight training exercises.

[0004] Fuhrhop, U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,782, discloses an adjustable exercise device that permits the configuration of different components to be changed to facilitate performing different exercises. The Fuhrhop device includes a series of holes along the posts that permit attachment at different locations on the posts. Similarly, Sterba et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,700,944, and Rasmussen, U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,369, each disclose a weight training system in which components are connected in different positions to facilitate performing different exercises.

[0005] Yakata, U.S. Pat. No. 4,763,897, discloses an exercise device that includes a support platform and a pivot lever. The pivot lever is slidable with respect to the support platform. It is also possible to adjust the initial angular orientation of the pivot lever and a distance between the support platform and an end of the pivot lever opposite the support platform. Rotation of the pivot lever causes a weight stack to be lifted.

[0006] Webber, U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,321, describes an exercise apparatus a pivotally mounted linkage mechanism. Pivoting of the linkage mechanism with respect to a support frame adjusts a height of linkage mechanism to facilitate performing a variety of exercises with the exercise apparatus.

[0007] The present invention relates to a multi-function weight training apparatus. The multi-function weight training apparatus includes a support base and a linear motion beam. The linear motion beam is rotatably mounted to the support base to change the angular orientation and the direction of forces that can be exerted on the multi-function weight training apparatus for performing a variety of weight training exercises with the multi-function weight training apparatus.

[0030] A multi-function weight training apparatus according to the present invention is most clearly illustrated at 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2. The multi-function weight training apparatus 10 generally includes a support base 20 and a linear motion beam 22 that is rotatably mounted with respect to the support base 20.

[0031] Rotating the linear motion beam 22 with respect to the support base 20 permits a variety of weight training exercises to be performed with the multi-function weight training apparatus 10. The multi-function weight training apparatus 10 thereby reduces the number of weight training apparatuses that must be purchased to perform a large variety of weight training exercises.

[0032] The support base 20 generally includes a bottom section 30 and a main post 32 that extends from the bottom section 30. The bottom section 30 stabilizes the multi-function weight training apparatus 10 such that the multi-function weight training apparatus 10 maintains a desired orientation on a ground surface during use. The bottom section 30 generally includes a central member 34 and a pair of end members 36 that are mounted at opposite ends of the central member 34, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0033] The end members 36 are preferably oriented at an angle with respect to the central member 34 so that a distance between front ends 38 of the end members 36 on a front side 40 of the multi-function exercise device 10 is greater than a distance between back ends 42 of the end members 36 on a back side 44 of the multi-function exercise device 10. An angle a between the central member 34 and each of the end members 36 is greater than about 90 degrees, preferably between about 110 and 130 degrees and most preferably about 120 degrees.

[0034] Attaching the end members 36 to the central member 34 in this configuration enhances the stability of the multi-function exercise device 10 while minimizing the potential for the end members 36 interfering with a person who is using the multi-function exercise device 10.

[0035] The main post 32 extends in a substantially vertical direction from the central member 34, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The linear motion beam 22 is attached to the vertical section 32 opposite the central member 34. To stabilize the vertical section 32, the multi-function exercise device 10 preferably includes a pair of outriggers 50. Each of the outriggers 50 includes a vertical portion 52 and a horizontal portion 54. The vertical portions 52 are attached to the central member 34 proximate the end members 36. The horizontal portions 54 are attached to the vertical portion 52 and the main post 32. In addition to stabilizing the multi-function exercise device 10, the vertical portions 52 are also adapted to receive weight holders 56 for storing weight plates 58 when the weight plates are not in use.

[0036] A weight carriage 60 is slidably mounted to a weight support post 62 that extends in a substantially vertical direction form the bottom section 30, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The weight support post 62 is preferably oriented substantially parallel to the main post 32. Mounting of the weight carriage 60 to the weight support post 62 is preferably accomplished with a pair of shafts 64. Each of the shafts 64 preferably has a diameter of approximately 1 inch. The weight carriage 60 has at least one post 56 that is adapted to receive weight plates 58. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that it is possible to use the concepts of the present invention with alternative types of weight carriage as well as weights where the resistance is generating by bending objects, such as is used in the BOWFLEX exercise device, by stretching objects such as bungee cords, hydraulic fluids or compressed gases.

[0037] The weight carriage 60 preferably includes two rollers 66 and most preferably four rollers 66 rotatably mounted thereto, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The rollers 66 preferably have a concaved outer surface 68 that at least partially conforms to the shafts 64. When four rollers 66 are used, there are two upper rollers 66 and two lower rollers 66.

[0038] The linear motion beam 22 provides the ability to place the resistance anywhere along the linear motion beam 22 and provides the ability to use the resistance in a push or pull motion. The linear motion beam 22 preferably has a length of less than about 10 feet and more preferably approximately 5 feet.

[0039] Rotation of the linear motion beam 22 is preferably controlled by a worm gear drive 70 that is attached to the linear motion beam 22, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The worm gear drive 70 includes a plurality of teeth 72 around an outer surface thereof. A hand crank wheel 74 is rotatably mounted to the main post 32 so that a screw 76 on the hand crank wheel 74 engages the teeth 72. Rotation of the hand crank wheel 74 thereby causes the linear motion beam 22 to rotate with respect to the main post 32.

[0040] Rotation of the linear motion beam 22 can also be controlled by a pop-pin mechanism where the worm gear drive 70 has a series of apertures (not shown) formed therein and a pin (not shown) is provided on the main post 32 to seat in the apertures.

[0041] A cover 77 is preferably placed over a significant portion of the worm gear drive 70, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The cover 77 protects the components of the gear drive 70 and enhances the aesthetic appearance of the multi-function exercise device 10.

[0042] The linear motion beam 22 has a main section 80 along which a main carriage 82 is slidable, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The linear motion beam 22 also has a resistance adjusting carriage 84 that is slidably mounted to a secondary post 86 that is mounted substantially parallel to the main section 80.

[0043] While the main section 80 and the secondary post 86 are both illustrated as having a substantially square profile, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other configurations may be used with the concepts of the present invention such as an I-beam shape or cylindrical shafts.

[0044] The resistance adjusting carriage 84 has a pair of pulleys 88 that are rotatably mounted thereto, as illustrated in FIG. 6a. The pulleys 88 each have a channel 90 formed in an outer surface thereof. The channels 90 are adapted to at least partially receive a cable 92.

[0045] Depending upon the location of the rotational axis on the linear motion beam 22, the linear motion beam 22 may be a counter weight (not shown) mounted therein so that the linear motion beam 22 is balanced about its rotational axis. While it is possible to configure the linear motion beam 22 with the rotational axis proximate one end of the linear motion beam 22, this configuration would preclude having the linear motion beam 22 balanced about its rotational axis.

[0046] The resistance adjusting carriage 84 preferably has a substantially square profile that extends around the secondary post 86. The resistance adjusting carriage 84 has a pin 94 removably attached thereto. The pin 94 is adapted to seat in apertures 96 along the secondary post 86. Engaging the pin 94 in one of the aperture 96 thereby retains the resistance adjusting carriage 84 in a desired fixed position with respect to the secondary post 86.

[0047] The resistance adjusting carriage 84 may also include at least one cylindrical roller 98 rotatably mounted therein, as illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6b. Preferably, the resistance adjusting carriage 84 includes one of the cylindrical roller 98 along each side thereof proximate each end of the resistance adjusting carriage 84. The cylindrical rollers 98 are preferably fabricated from a low friction material such TEFLON. As the resistance adjusting carriage 84 is moved with respect to the secondary post 86, the cylindrical roller 98 rolls along the secondary post 86 to thereby provide a smooth motion.

[0048] To facilitate moving the resistance adjusting carriage 84 with respect to the secondary shaft 86, the resistance adjusting carriage 84 preferably has a handle 100 attached thereto.

[0049] The linear motion beam 22 also preferably includes a counter weight 102 mounted therein, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9. Using the counter weight 102 with the linear motion beam 22 offsets the weight of the main carriage 82. Using the counter weight 102 enables the linear motion beam to remain balanced about its rotational axis as the main carriage 82 is moved on the linear motion beam. The counter weight 102 is preferably attached to the main carriage 82 with a strong and flexible material such as a KEVLAR belt 104 or a nylon coated cable.

[0050] The counter weight 102 includes a main section 106 and a pair of wheels 107 mounted on opposite ends of the main sections 106 so that the wheels 107 extend above a surface of the main section 106 as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The wheels 107 preferably have a concave outer surface 108. The linear motion beam 22 includes two tracks 109 mounted therein. The concave outer surface 108 of the wheels 107 is adapted to at least partially receive the track 109 so that the counter weight 102 can roll along the track. The wheels 107 are preferably fabricated from a urethane material.

[0051] The cable 92 is attached to the components of the multi-function weight training apparatus 10 through a series of pulleys. The series of pulleys permit the cable 92 to be easily adjusted when moving the locations of the main carriage 82 and the resistance adjusting carriage 84. In particular, the series of pulleys includes a first pulley 110 mounted with respect to the weight carriage 60. The series of pulleys also includes a pair of second pulleys 112 mounted at an upper end of the weight stack support post 62 as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. A pair of third pulleys 114 is mounted on opposite sides of the main post 32. A pair of fourth pulleys 116 is attached to the linear motion beam 22 proximate the intersection of the linear motion beam 22 and the main post 32. A pair of fifth pulleys 118 is mounted at opposite ends of the linear motion beam 22.

[0052] A first pulley of the pair of the second, third, fourth and fifth pulleys 112, 114, 116, 118 defines a first cable path 120. A second pulley of the pair of second, third, fourth, and fifth pulleys 112, 114, 116, 118 defines a second cable path 112. The first cable path 120 and the second cable path 122 intersect proximate the first pulley 110. Opposite the first pulley 110, the first cable path 120 terminates at the resistance adjusting carriage 84. Opposite the first pulley 110, the second cable path 122 terminates at a loop 124 that extends between the pair of rollers 88 as illustrated in FIG. 6a. To prevent the loop 124 from passing between the pair of rollers 88, a ball 126 is attached to the cable 92 proximate the loop 124.

[0053] The loop 124 provides a mechanism to removably and operably attach the weight carriage 60 to the main carriage 82 for performing the weight training exercises.

[0054] To further enhance the variety of weight training exercises that may be performed using the multi-function weight training apparatus 10 of the present invention, the multi-function weight training apparatus 10 may include a post 130 that extends substantially perpendicular from the main carriage 82, as illustrated in FIG. 12. By applying a force to the post 130 that is substantially aligned along the linear motion beam 22, the main carriage 82 is moved with respect to the linear motion beam 22. Moving the main carriage 82 with respect to the linear motion beam 22 thereby causes the weight carriage 60 to be lifted. The post 130 is particularly suited for use when performing weight training exercises that utilize a linear motion such as a bench press.

[0055] In an alternative configuration, a lever arm attachment 132 is mounted with respect to the main carriage 82, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. The lever arm attachment 132 has a circular portion 134 with a channel 139 that extends around an outer surface thereof. As the lever arm attachment 132 is rotated with respect to the main carriage 82, the cable 92 at least partially seats in the channel 139. The lever arm attachment 132 is particularly suited for use with weight training exercises that utilize a rotating motion such as a leg extension.

[0056] An arm assembly 136 is rotatably attached to the circular portion 134. The arm assembly 136 has two sections 138, 140 that are oriented at an approximately perpendicular configuration. The section 140 opposite is engaged when performing the weight training exercise. To enhance the comfort of performing the weight training exercise, the section 140 is preferably covered with a foam layer.

[0057] A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the type of foam and the thickness of the foam is selected based upon the anticipated weights that are to be lifted with the multi-function weight training apparatus 10 to ensure comfort of the person using the multi-function weight training apparatus 10.

[0058] The arm assembly 136 includes a least one pin 135 extending therefrom that is adapted to seat in at least one of a series of apertures 137 on the circular portion 134. Changing the orientation of the arm assembly 126 with respect to the circular portion 122 enables the multi-function weight training apparatus 10 to be configured for performing particular exercises.

[0059] To facilitate performing various exercises in an easily repeatable configuration, the main carriage 82 preferably has a protractor 150 rotatably mounted thereto. As the main carriage 82 is pivoted, the protractor 150 rotates with respect to the main section by gravity.

[0060] In operation, a desired amount of weight plates 58 is placed on the weight carriage. The hand crank wheel 74 is then rotated to turn the linear motion beam to a desired orientation for performing the weight training exercise.

[0061] Next, the resistance adjusting carriage 84 is positioned along the secondary post 86 for the desired weight training exercise. For pushing exercises, the resistance adjusting carriage 84 is moved closer to the location where the user will be standing. For pulling exercises, the resistance adjusting carriage 84 is moved away from the location where the user will be standing. The post 130 is next attached to the main carriage 82.

[0062] Thereafter, the user urges the post 130 to move along the main section 80. This movement causes the loose end of the cable 92 to be pulled through the resistance adjusting carriage 84. Pulling of the cable 92 causes the weight carriage 60 to be raised to exercise the muscles of the person using the weight training apparatus 10. Because the linear motion beam 22 is aligned along the direction in which the post 130 is being moved, the user is able to easily perform the exercise over a broad range of the desired muscle group's range of motion.

[0063] When the user desires to perform a different exercise on the multi-function exercise device 10, the orientation of the linear motion beam 22, the position of the resistance adjusting carriage 84, the weight plates 58 and the post 130 may be readily changed by the user so that the user can perform exercises that are designed to strengthen another group of muscles. The multi-function exercise device 10 thereby obviates the need to purchase a number of different exercising devices for exercising the various muscles groups on the human body.

[0064] It is also possible to configure the multi-function weight training apparatus 210 so that the apparatus is only suitable for performing push-type exercises, as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17. Configuring the multi-function weight training apparatus 210 in this manner reduces the complexity of the multi-function weight training apparatus 210 while retaining the ability of the linear motion beam 222 to rotate with respect to a support base 220 for performing a variety of push-type exercises.

[0065] Similarly, it is also possible to configure the multi-function weight training apparatus 310 so that the apparatus is only suitable for performing pull-type exercises, as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. Configuring the multi-function weight training apparatus 310 in this manner reduces the complexity of the multi-function weight training apparatus 310 while retaining the ability of the linear motion beam 322 to rotate with respect to a support base 320 for performing a variety of pull-type exercises.

[0066] It is further possible to configure the multi-function weight training apparatus for use only with the rotating lever arm 440, as illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21. Configuring the multi-function weight training apparatus 410 in this manner reduces the complexity of the multi-function weight training apparatus 410 while retaining the ability of the linear motion beam 422 to pivot with respect to a support base 420 for performing a variety of rotation-type exercises.

[0067] It is further possible to configure the multi-function weight training apparatus for use only with a free cable end 524, as illustrated in FIG. 22. A handle or other attachment (not shown) is removably attached to the free cable end depending on the desired exercise. Configuring the multi-function weight training apparatus 510 in this manner reduces the complexity of the multi-function weight training apparatus 510 while retaining the ability of the linear motion beam 522 to pivot with respect to a support base 520 for performing a variety of exercises.

[0068] It is also contemplated that the concepts of the present invention can be used where the resistance is incorporated within the linear motion beam. In this configuration, the resistance would preferably be a stretchable band, hydraulic fluid or a compressed gas. By incorporating the resistance in the linear motion beam, the overall complexity of the multi-function weight training apparatus is reduced while retaining the ability to perform a variety of exercises. Such a version of the multi-function weight training apparatus is particularly suited for home use.

[0069] It is contemplated that features disclosed in this application, as well as those described in the above applications incorporated by reference, can be mixed and matched to suit particular circumstances. Various other modifications and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.